Fil-Am group scores victory with reinstatement of overseas voters

By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Filipino-American leader Rodel Rodis called the reinstatement of the voting rights of some 238,000 overseas Filipinos a major victory.

Yesterday, the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) voted to reinstate over 238,000 overseas Filipino voters, who were earlier delisted, for failing to vote in two consecutive elections in the Philippines.

The Comelec said based on the new resolution they signed, the 238,000 will be allowed to vote, by merely appearing during the designated voting schedules.

The reversal came after Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes and Commissioner Grace Padua listened to the arguments presented by Rodis and Ted Laguatan, on behalf of the Global Filipino Diaspora Council (GFDC) at a special Comelec hearing last Friday.

Rodis, president of the GFDC, said in preparation for the Philippines’ mid-term elections in May, Comelec needs to allow voting online to encourage as higher voter turnout.

"We are still lobbying for internet voting," said Rodis. "We have to think of ways to make it easier for people to register to vote."